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SU-017 Documentation

Soyuz Microphones SU-017

Cardioid Tube Condenser Microphone

The SU-017 is a premium condenser microphone with a tube-and-transformer topology and a simple, low-parts-count circuit. Its capsule is detachable; the microphone is sold with a large-diaphragm Cardioid capsule head, but can be used with a variety of other heads, including planned Omni and Figure-8 heads from Soyuz, as well as the small-diaphragm capsules from the company’s SU-011 pencil mic.

The mic’s large-diaphragm capsule is based on the design of the Neumann K67; it is a dual-backplate, 34mm O.D. design with the K67’s characteristic drilling pattern.

Soyuz Microphones

The physical design of the SU-017’s body is based on mathematical principles. It is essentially a solid brass sphere, bisected and separated by a Golden Ratio… [T]he cylinder of the mic’s body has a ratio of 1 to 1.618. The exact size and distance of the capsule head is also based on the Golden Ratio. The designers of the SU-017 believe that using shapes and ratios that are favored by nature help to reduce unpleasant resonance.

The mic’s heavy brass body parts are milled and machined in house. They are not treated or coated; SU-017 owners will need to periodically clean them to retain their appearance. The microphone includes a polishing cloth for this purpose.

The mic’s output transformer is manufactured in house.

The mic’s vacuum tube is a glass triode called the 6Ж1П, transliterated to 6J1P, also known as the E95F and 6AK7. These are sourced from a Russian factory that has been making tubes since 1962.

The SU-017 is packed in a handmade wooden box, which ships with the mic’s power supply, cable, and shockmount in a handmade wooden suitcase. The system includes photos of the individual technician who assembled the microphone, and the mic’s designer, Vladimir.

Each SU-017 is personally tested by the mic’s designer, prior to leaving the factory.

According to Soyuz Microphones, Figure-8 and Omni capsule heads are in development.